Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women suffering from ADD often suffer from depression. This can lead to a misdiagnosis. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to become frustrated when waiting, whether it is waiting in line to get customer service or while standing on hold.
ADD symptoms can change in response to hormonal fluctuations in females throughout puberty, menstrual cycle and perimenopause or menopause. They can also be masked by estrogen and may be less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who suffer from inattention ADD often have difficulty focus on tasks, and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD symptoms also include trouble with managing time and a failure to follow instructions. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to be depressed than those who don't have the disorder, but both conditions can coexist.
Teachers and parents may find it more difficult to diagnose adults with non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are subtler. They might not be able to complete their schoolwork or homework, and they might miss important lectures in classes. They might also not pay attention during meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may also have difficulty finding an employment or maintaining their current one.
Inattentive ADD is more common for women and girls, in contrast to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in men and boys. In many cases, girls and women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or suffer the mood swings that accompany PMS and perimenopausal. This is because doctors look for the more overt behavioral traits of ADD in boys but fail to detect them in girls or women, particularly during these periods.
Women who are inattentive ADD may become annoyed by their inability to focus. This can lead to anger and frustration. These women may also be more likely to internalize their anger, and express it in ways which could harm their relationships. For instance, if a person interferes with her while she is trying to finish the task, she may quit and leave the room. The inability to focus could result in her making mistakes she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they can disrupt your daily activities and cause you to feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster. Extremely frequent and intense mood fluctuations could be an indication of an underlying mental health issue that requires treatment.
Mood swings happen the time when you suddenly shift from feeling upbeat, happy or positive to feeling depressed or angry within just a few minutes. These mood swings can be caused by many different things like blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress and weather conditions. Certain medications and substances can also trigger mood changes.
Most people have occasional mood swings, but if you have frequent and extreme mood swings, it could be time to consult your doctor. Depending on the reason for your symptoms, you can treat them with a variety of treatments, such as medication, therapy or lifestyle changes.
Women can experience mood swings between 1 and 2 weeks prior to their period, as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue as well as changes in appetite. They can also trigger depression, bloating and other discomforts. Keep a journal to track your mood changes. This will make you feel more confident making an appointment with your doctor and can help you understand your current state of mind.
Changing your diet, obtaining more sleep, exercising and doing relaxation exercises can all aid in reducing mood swings. If you're taking medication that triggers these symptoms, changing your dosage or trying a different drug might help alleviate the symptoms. The mood swings could be a symptom of a range of psychological and medical disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to make quick decisions and act without thinking about the consequences. While some of the impulsive behavior is normal, a consistent pattern of issues with impulse control could be an indication of ADD or a different condition. For example, a person who is impulsive could have difficulty saving money, or spend more than they can afford to or reveal personal information without thinking about the consequences. They may also struggle in activities that require planning, such as driving or working in the law enforcement field.
An impulsive streak is normal in children and teens, but it's not uncommon for adults to struggle with this symptom too. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults to seek medical attention if you are experiencing difficulties with your job or relationships due to impulsive actions.
Many factors can trigger the impulsive behavior. This includes genetics, brain structure chemical imbalances, and environmental conditions. A history of emotional trauma or distress can be a contributing factor to the impulsive behavior, as could the presence of a family member suffering from mental illness. Certain medications, including antidepressants and stimulant drugs can also increase someone's impulsiveness.
It's important to distinguish the difference between compulsive and impulsive behavior that is repetitive and ritualistic. For example, checking whether the oven is on or off is a compulsive behavior and buying something at the whim of a is an impulsive action. Impulsiveness is a female ADD sign that is quite common, especially in girls who are going through puberty or PMS and also during menopausal when estrogen levels begin to decline. Women can also show symptoms of ADD by appearing distant during conversations or unable to complete chores like washing. In some cases women's impulsiveness and inattention can lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. This condition can be treated with the proper medication.
5. Anxiety
It's perfectly normal to be anxious and nervous at times, such as when you're preparing for an exam or public speaking event. If these feelings become frequent and extreme, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than what's normal, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are also physical symptoms, such as an accelerating heartbeat or the sensation that you're in a choke or suffering from a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are more susceptible to the emotional turbulences that accompany anxiety. They can be easily frustrated and are overly sensitive to minor irritations. They can get extremely upset over a tiny mistake or being in a queue for a long time. They might flee to avoid a situation or even stop the work.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threat or danger and is a reaction designed to prepare the body and mind for battle. However, when it becomes overwhelming, people can become debilitated and incapable of functioning normally.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The type of therapy depends on the root cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can aid you in reducing your anxiety and feelings.
Get enough rest and eat healthy to decrease anxiety. Avoid caffeine and stimulants that can trigger mood fluctuations. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, releases brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group or call or visit friends. Being around others can help reduce anxiety and help to alleviate loneliness. A therapist can show you ways to relax by using guided visualization or gradual exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable.